Other Web Sites.Other
sites with Companion information (see also the italicized entries in the Roll of
Honour).

Here's to the Companions!

The Companions get far too little attention in discussions of Doctor Who,
usually just a passing nod as the spotlight is ever on the Doctor. But the Doctor
has it easy. He faces the forces of destruction with a wealth of knowledge, a
respiratory
bypass system, and, if all else fails, the possibility of regeneration. Meanwhile,
his Companions, without immortality, a superhuman physique, or (frequently) a clue,
stand beside him, loyally and courageously placing their frail, one-shot bodies in
the same deadly peril as the Doctor, with far less chance of survival. After all,
four Companions have died in the line of duty with a ten others stranded far from
home. The Doctor, meanwhile, survives and is free to travel wherever he can get the
TARDIS to take him.

Let us consider, too, the actors and actresses who portray the Companions. It's
not as easy as it looks: they must play a character who is simon-pure and
simon-simple, who is interesting but not as interesting as the Doctor, who can ask
stupid questions without seeming stupid, and who can run like a cheetah and scream
like a boiling teapot.

So we are here to praise Barbara's common sense and Jacqueline Hill's
intelligence, the Brigadier's reliability and Nicholas Courtney's professionalism,
Sarah Jane's curiosity and Elisabeth Sladen's warmth, Ace's loyalty and Sophie
Aldred's sense of humor. In other words, here's a toast to the Companions and to the
talented performers
who have played them. Where would Doctor Who, or the Doctor, be without
them?

Companion Spotlight

I can't make it this year, alas, but Gallifrey One is showing eminently good taste by hosting three Companion actors as their Guests of Honor (please say hello to them for me!):